Equity Audit Report - March 2018

The Needham Public Schools Equity Audit Report is based upon extensive data gathered from June through December 2017 by an area consultant, Ms. Christine Robinson. Data gathered included a document review, school observations, and interviews and focus groups with students, parents, teachers, and staff. A review of the research and literature on education and equity and positive education was also conducted.

This audit demonstrated an awareness of the increasing diversity in the Needham Public Schools and a stated commitment to educational equity: District-wide goals include conversant language around equity; the Race, Equity, Access and Leadership team is increasingly active and a committed group; and efforts on the school level have been implemented to address issues of culture. At the same time, exposure to reported bias may well be a source of the social inequality and stress that contributes to psychological and academic disparities of Needham students. This is confounded by reported discomfort in discussing matters of diversity with students and educators.

The Audit Report reviews disparities in the schools, and highlights areas of promise, strengths and assets Needham can build upon. The full Equity Audit Report can be found here.